ANDREAS HINKEL bought into the theory that people make Glasgow as the German settled in the city that became home from home for three years.

Now the former Celtic full-back is determined to give the green and white side of town another reason to celebrate as he plots Rangers' Europa League exit.

Hinkel will be in the dugout in the Red Bull Arena tonight as RB Leipzig aim to take a step towards the final and a shot at the silverware against Frankfurt or West Ham United.

The 40-year-old has become a key source of information for boss Domenico Tedesco in recent weeks and has given the Italian his insight into Rangers and the Scottish game.

Hinkel won a league title and League Cup during his time at Parkhead and is relishing a return to Glasgow for the defining second leg next Thursday evening.

“Not that many because I’ve changed my number," Hinkel joked when asked if he had received many calls from former Celtic team-mates. "I’m still in touch with some and I’ve received a few messages.

“The people I know are Celtic fans so yes of course they want us to knock Rangers out!

“Of course I’m really looking forward to facing Rangers. Since we knew it was possible to face Rangers I was happy and looking forward to the game, especially because I knew we were going to travel to Glasgow and I love that place.

“We will speak to the team before the training session and speak in detail about Rangers.

“Of course I can say that Scottish teams in general are more physical compared to teams in the German league.

“They have good mentality. It’s not easy to play in Scotland.

“But it’s not just physical. They have weapons, especially Rangers. They are good on the counter attack as well. They defend strongly too.

“They didn’t qualify for the semi finals by chance. They beat some good competitors in this tournament so it’s going to be really tough, really hard to get a result."

Victory for Rangers would see them reach their first European final since the remarkable run to Manchester that ultimately ended in defeat and disappointment 14 years ago.

Hinkel and his Parkhead team-mates would benefit on that occasion as Gordon Strachan's side clinched the SPL title on the final day of a cramped and controversial campaign.

Now the former VfB Stuttgart coach is hoping to play his part in another so near yet so far tale as the champions continue to fly the flag for Scottish football on the continent.

“I thought about that," Hinkel said as he recalled the 2008 term that saw Celtic defend their title with victory over Dundee United at Tannadice. “It’s been a long time but the reason I thought about it is that it’s a similarity to my first season.

“The only difference is that they were in front of the league and dropped points in the last few games which allowed us to win the league. So it’s similar of course.

“Maybe it’s a small surprise but you need a little bit of luck.

“In my first year, they played Fiorentina in the semi-final and went through. It was tough and they lost power in the league.

“So on that side it’s a little bit different, with Celtic now in front in the league by six points. But it’s good for Scottish football to see them back at this stage.

"The atmosphere in the Ibrox Stadium will be outstanding. Even if not quite as outstanding as in the home ground of Celtic Glasgow - I have to say that at this point.

"There will be little time for sightseeing. But the city has a lot to offer besides football.

"I'm thinking of the many beautiful parks, great museums, pubs and restaurants. It's a city close to my heart and I'm really looking forward to returning there with RB Leipzig."